The 'Pose' actor receives the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the event and uses his acceptance speech to pay tribute to his late mother and his activism in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Jun 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Billy Porter was overcome with emotion at the 77th annual Tony Awards as he accepted the prestigious Isabelle Stevenson Award. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, the 54-year-old actor dedicated the honor to his late mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford, who passed away in February at age 79.
"I'd like to dedicate this moment to my mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford, who we lost this past February," Porter shared. "She believed in unconditional love and she instilled in my sister and I a purpose and a love greater than ourselves."
Porter recited one of his mother's favorite Bible verses, Second Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." He encouraged the audience to turn to their neighbors and tell them not to be afraid, as "the change has already happened."
Porter's mother's passing had deeply affected him, as he had shared on Instagram in February: "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving mother... Mommy lived life to the fullest despite physical limitations pressed upon her."
In his speech, Porter also addressed his experience as a gay man and his involvement in LGBTQ+ activism. "I grew up in a world where they told me that who I was was not worthy of anything," he stated. "So the fact that I'm standing before you is a miracle."
He highlighted the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the importance of fighting for equal rights. "As we find ourselves at another crossroads in America, a moment that will decide whether democracy lives or dies, I need to remind you all of what the late John Lewis told me: 'Never give up hope, never give into hate, and go out there and get into some good trouble,'" Porter said. "Love always wins."
Porter's acceptance speech was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring one's heritage and continuing the fight for equality and human rights.
